ABSTRACT

　In this preliminary study, we aimed to examine the influence of self-massage afterexercise on "quality of sleep" and physical condition, the next day. Additionally, weaim to clarify the range of effect, applicability, and limitations of self-massage afterexercise.　Our study included five male university students and graduate students. Participantsprovided consent to participate in the study. After entering the laboratory, the subjectsparticipated in a 10-minute warm-up followed by a 10-minute work-out. After thework-out, self-massage was performed for 10 minutes. The massage was focusedmainly on the lower body under massage and restraint conditions. Control conditionutilized the same 20-minute warm-up and work-out routine and were followed by 10minutes of rest in the seated position. Subsequently, subjects proceeded to a bed in thetemperature controlled laboratory overnight for evaluation of sleep quality, measuredusing the electrophysiological index.　Our results indicate that heart rate during sleep tended to be significantly higher under the control condition. Additionally, although there was no significant differencebetween the stage 2 latency and the stage 3 latency, both were shortened in the massagecondition but not in the control. Thus, the results suggest that self-massage care afterintense exercise may have a positive effect on the quality of sleep. However, in thisstudy, the number of subjects was kept at a minimum（ 5 people） as saliva analysis wasnot cost-effective; hence, it is necessary to further review the massage site and massageduration in the future.

DECENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.40/The DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE